[Method for evaluating pulmonary clearance in mice and its pharmacological applications]

The purpose of this study was to develop a method for evaluating pulmonary clearance in mice that inhaled aerosolized 99mTc-labeled human serum albumin (33mTc-HSA). Mice were ventilated with an aerosol of 99mTc-HSA for 10 min with an ultrasonic nebulizer in an acrylic chamber. Pulmonary clearance was estimated from lung retention ratio at various times after inhalation of 99mTc-HSA. Lung retention ratios in mice were 72.4 +/- 3.3% at 1 hr, 60.1 +/- 2.3% at 3 hr and 34.8 +/- 2.0% at 24 hr after inhalation of 99mTc-HSA, similar to the previous results obtained in humans by cinescintigraphy. The data were analyzed on the basis of two-compartment model. Mabuterol, a beta 2-adrenoceptor agonist, stimulated the pulmonary clearance. In contrast, metyrapone, an adrenal 11-beta steroid hydroxylase inhibitor, suppressed the clearance with a decreased corticosterone content in plasma. These findings suggest that the developed method is useful for evaluating the pharmacological effects on pulmonary clearance.

[RI venography for retroperitoneal hematoma following anticoagulant therapy for IVC filter thrombosis]

We presented a case of massive retroperitoneal hematoma owing to anticoagulant therapy for IVC filter thrombosis. CT showed the hematoma as high density area. RI venography demonstrated the thrombosis and collateral veins, suggesting the sites of anticoagulant induced bleeding and resultant hematoma. We suppose that RI venography is useful for the follow-up study of the IVC filter inserted cases.

Immunoaffinity purification and characterization of a human liver-specific antigen

We have purified a liver-specific antigen (LSA) from human liver by using immunoaffinity chromatography followed by other procedures and examined its biochemical properties. Amino acid analysis of the purified LSA revealed that the sum of acidic amino acids was probably higher than that of basic amino acids; this agrees with its pI of 5.8-5.9. The protein had also relatively large amount of Pro and the NH2-terminal amino acid sequence from 2nd to 8th residues was determined to be Pro-Pro-Ser-Pro-Pro-Val-Val. A computer search showed that the human LSA has no significant homology to any other proteins available from sequence databases. These findings, together with those reported previously, suggest that the human LSA will be useful as a powerful marker for detecting liver injury.

Intestinal tuberculosis: findings on double-contrast barium enema

Seven cases of intestinal tuberculosis in an active stage were studied by the double-contrast barium enema (DCBE) method. Formerly, diagnosis of intestinal tuberculosis in the early stage by single-contrast barium enema (SCBE) and barium meals was based on functional phenomena, such as spasm and hypermotility of the ileocecal region. Presently, this can be better accomplished by DCBE. DCBE enables the detection of shallow ulcers with their characteristic elevated margins. These ulcers are frequently slim and transversally oriented. Confluence of ulcers may create whole girdle ulcers or affect entire segments. In more advanced stages, characteristic deformities, also evident by SCBE, such as symmetrical annular stenoses, shortening, retraction, pouch formation, and the frequently observed pathology of the ileocecal valve and the cecal region, acquire a new dimension with DCBE.

Glycyrrhizin and glycyrrhetinic acid determination from formalin-fixed tissue

Glycyrrhetinic acid (GA), the main metabolic product of glycyrrhizin (GLY), could be detected in formalin-fixed tissue from a man who died 6 hours after therapeutic administration of a GLY-containing agent. GA was extracted from homogenized formalin-fixed liver tissue and 3 ng GA/g could be detected by HPLC. The extraction from formalin-fixed liver tissue gave the same retention time peak as the GLY control. GA could also be detected by mass spectrometry in the blood sample. This confirms that the man had received a GLY-containing agent for therapeutic use prior to his death and that GA can be determined from formalin-fixed tissue.

Removal of extracellular Mg2+ suppresses sulfation of glycoconjugates secreted from rabbit trachea in culture

The influences of extracellular Ca2+ and Mg2+ concentrations on the basal secretion of glycoconjugates from rabbit trachea in organ culture were examined. Over 80% of the 35S-labeled and [3H]glucosamine-labeled glycoconjugates secreted by the trachea were digested upon incubation with chondroitinase ABC. The basal secretion did not occur in the medium at 4 degrees C, indicating an energy-dependent process. The basal secretion at 37 degrees C of 35S-labeled glycoconjugates was prominently suppressed in Mg(2+)-free Tyrode solution but not in Ca(2+)-free Tyrode solution containing ethyleneglycol bis(2-aminoethylether)tetraacetic acid (EGTA). In contrast, the basal secretion of [3H]glucosamine-labeled glycoconjugates was not affected by the Mg2+ concentration in the medium. The results suggest that extracellular Mg2+ largely contributes to sulfation of glycoconjugates basally secreted from rabbit trachea.

The influence of neuraminidase treatment on tracheal smooth muscle contraction

To examine the role of sialic acid in the respiratory tract, the influence of neuraminidase from Clostridium perfringens was investigated on contractions of isolated guinea-pig and rat trachea and on histamine release from guinea-pig lung tissue. Treatment with 2.0 units/ml of neuraminidase at 37 degrees C and pH 7.4 for 30 min caused an approximately 60% removal of total N-acetylneuraminic acid, a representative sialic acid, from muscle from guinea-pig and rat trachea. Neuraminidase concentration dependently induced histamine release from guinea-pig chopped lung tissue, but has no effect on contractions produced by acetylcholine, histamine and 5-hydroxytryptamine. Pretreatment with 2.0 units/ml of neuraminidase inhibited the contraction induced by antigen (ovalbumin) or compound 48/80. These findings suggest, at least in part, that sialic acids sensitive to neuraminidase are involved in the regulation of histamine release but not tracheal contraction.

A sensitive sandwich enzyme immunoassay for gamma-seminoprotein and its application to sex discrimination of blood and bloodstains

A sensitive sandwich enzyme immunoassay for gamma-seminoprotein (p30, prostate-specific antigen) is described for sex discrimination of blood and bloodstains. A polystyrene ball coated with rabbit anti-gamma-seminoprotein IgG was incubated with gamma-seminoprotein and, after washing, with affinity-purified rabbit anti-gamma-seminoprotein Fab'-horseradish peroxidase conjugate. Peroxidase activity bound to the polystyrene ball was assayed by fluorometry using 3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propionic acid as hydrogen donor. The detection limit of gamma-seminoprotein was 0.15 pg per assay. Blood levels of gamma-seminoprotein, measured using 1-10 microliters of blood, were at least 3.3-fold higher in male adults than in female adults. The ratio of gamma-seminoprotein in terms of pg to hemoglobin in terms of mg was significantly higher in male adults than in female adults. Thus, the measurement of gamma-seminoprotein or both gamma-seminoprotein and hemoglobin was useful for the discrimination of blood and bloodstains of male and female adults, although with some limitations.

[Trace analysis for drugs and poisons in human tissues]

Despite continuous developments of analytical techniques in terms of sensitivity and accuracy, uncountable increase in number of chemical substances are brought into the field of forensic sciences to be analyzed. Based on the idea that progress in analytical technique to cope with the change of situation is always required, a research team including 10 members was organized to set up the most advanced methods at present to analyze the important drugs and poisons in biological materials for forensic purposes. Stimulant drugs such as methamphetamine and amphetamine were studied on the improvement of extraction procedure prior to mass spectrometric analysis. A conventional solvent extraction method was replaced by an extraction technique using Extrelut column. The technical procedure was simplified and the accuracy of measurement was improved. The changes in CO-Hb concentration in the whole blood in storage was examined with regard to the lapse of time and temperature, where a differential spectrophotometry was used. Useful information could be obtained from practical aspects. Analytical conditions of gas chromatography were revised on volatiles including alcohols, especially as to column conditions. The use of capillary column was recommended for sensitivity and peak separation. The optimum conditions for detecting barbiturates in the blood were examined. The combination of Sep-pak C18 cartridge with a capillary column for gas chromatography using nitrogen phosphorus detection was found preferable. Mass spectrometry of various kinds of local anesthetics was studied. Quantitative analysis of the drugs was examined on gas chromatography with a surface ionization detector. Three types of insecticides including organophosphorus, chlorinated and fluorine compounds were analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry in order to establish a sensitive and selective method. The detection limits, calibration and reproducibility were examined. Herbicide, paraquat, was examined on the sensitivity, recovery, required time and costs in connection with methods of pretreatment and analytical procedure. A secondary spectrophotometry was found useful practically. Antimony in biological tissues was analyzed, using a flameless atomic absorption spectrometer with carbon tube atomizer. The time for analysis was reduced, and sensitivity was improved. Immunoassay method was examined from general aspects on drugs and hormones. Using antibodies specific to haptens, the dynamics of such antigens as drugs and hormones in the body tissues were observed. Interfering substances at the time of toxicological analysis were checked in order to obtain reliable information. Exact identification was found possible by using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. As described above, the research was made from the practical aspects of forensic toxicology, and meaningful results could be obtained from each study.

A sandwich enzyme immunoassay for liver-specific antigen and its forensic evaluation

We attempted to develop a method for the determination of liver injuries, using a liver-specific antigen as a marker. The liver-specific antigen (LSA) was purified from the human liver and the antibody to the human LSA only reacted with the liver extract using the immuno-dot-blotting technique. Depending on the immunohistochemical study, the LSA was found to be located within the cytoplasm of hepatocytes. A sensitive and specific sandwich enzyme immunoassay was then developed for the measurement of LSA. The detection limit of human LSA was 1 fmol/tube (52 pg/tube) and this assay was not affected by hemolysis. The LSA levels in serum and blood from healthy subjects were distributed within a range below the detection limit. The LSA levels in the blood from cadavers whose livers had been damaged, were markedly elevated in comparison with the normal levels found in other cadavers (10-140 fold). No cross-reaction was observed with the liver extracts from several species (mouse, rat, guinea pig and rabbit). These results suggest that the measurement of LSA levels in blood will become a useful marker for the detection of liver injury.

Both β1- and β2-adrenoceptors are involved in mediating phosphatidylcholine secretion in rat type II pneumocyte cultures

A primary culture of rat type II pneumocytes was used for the pharmacological and functional characterization of beta-adrenoceptor subtypes. The beta-adrenoceptor agonists, isoprenaline, dobutamine and procaterol concentration dependently increased the secretion of phosphatidylcholine. These effects were attenuated by propranolol. The effect of dobutamine was attenuated by atenolol, and that of procaterol by ICI 118,551. Isoprenaline-induced secretion was attenuated by the combination of the two blockers but not by each one alone. In conclusion, both beta 1- and beta 2-adrenoceptor subtypes mediate phosphatidylcholine secretion in rat type II pneumocytes.

Isolation and characterization of liver-specific antigen

The purpose of this work is to develop a method to determine liver injuries using liver-specific substances. Initially, the liver-specific antigen (LSA) was purified from the human liver. The human LSA found in the Sephadex G-100 gel filtration first peak, has been isolated and characterized from normal human liver water-soluble proteins. Purification of LSA was carried out by consecutive gel filtration, ammonium sulfate precipitation, and anion and cation ion exchange chromatography, while simultaneously monitoring its reactivity using the antibody against the first peak fraction of the human liver extract through Sephadex G-100 after absorption with serum and kidney extract. This antigen was found to have a single band in SDS electrophoresis (PAGE) and the M.W. of approximately 52 KD. By IEF electrophoresis, the isoelectric point of some constituents were found to be pI 5.8-5.9. In addition, the antibody to this antigen was examined for organ specificity using the immunoblotting technique against the human kidney, lung, heart, spleen, pancreas, skeletal muscle, brain extracts and serum, respectively. The immunogenicity and characteristics of this antigen were found to be different from other specific antigens in the liver, which have been previously reported.

Stimulation of pulmonary surfactant secretion by activating neutrophils in rat type II pneumocytes culture

The influence of activating neutrophils on the secretion of phosphatidylcholine (PC), the predominant component of pulmonary surfactant, was examined using primary culture of rat type II pneumocytes. Simultaneous addition of neutrophils and opsonized zymosan, but not neutrophils or opsonized zymosan alone, to type II pneumocytes caused a significant increase in PC secretion without affecting the release of lactate dehydrogenase, a marker of cytotoxicity. The increase in PC secretion was dependent on the number of activating neutrophils. In addition, pretreatment of culture with the combination of superoxide dismutase and catalase inhibited the increase in PC secretion. These findings indicate that activating neutrophils stimulate the secretion of pulmonary surfactant and that the stimulation is mediated by oxygen radicals.

Anti-allergic effect of N-acetylneuraminic acid in guinea-pigs

The in-vivo anti-allergic effect of N-acetylneuraminic acid (NANA) in guinea-pigs passively sensitized with anti-ovalbumin rabbit serum has been studied. NANA (20 mg kg-1 i.v.) inhibited bronchial anaphylaxis and the release of histamine into bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. NANA dose-dependently inhibited heterologous passive cutaneous anaphylaxis and haemorrhaging in the passive Arthus reaction. However, it did not inhibit the release of histamine from sensitized minced lung tissue.

Voltage clamp analysis of the kinetics of piperidine-induced chloride current in isolated Aplysia neurons

The effect of piperidine (Pip) on isolated Aplysia neurons was investigated using the voltage clamp and concentration clamp techniques in which neurons were perfused internally and externally with Na+,K+ free solution. Pip induced a Cl-current (ICl) in a dose-dependent manner for doses ranging from 10(-4) M to 10(-2) M. The dose-response curve gave an apparent dissociation constant of 8.4 x 10(-4) M and a Hill coefficient of 1.7. The current-voltage relationship was linear in the voltage range examined (-70 to +30 mV). The equilibrium potential for Pip induced current was close to the calculated equilibrium potential for chloride ions (ECl), (-10.7 mV). The activation phase of the ICl was characterized by a single exponential at all concentrations. The time constant of this phase decreased with increasing concentrations of Pip but did not depend on the membrane potential. The deactivation phase of the ICl proceeded on a single exponential curve at concentrations of Pip less than 5 x 10(-4) M, but on a double exponential at concentrations of 5 x 10(-4) M and higher. The deactivation time constant also decreased with increasing concentrations of Pip, but showed no potential dependence. Pip- and ACh-induced IClS were not blocked by 10(-4) M atropine. However, Pip-induced ICl was abolished with 10(-4) M d-tubocurarine (dTC), and the ACh-induced ICl was depressed by the same dose of dTC. These results suggest that Pip acts on at least two components of the nicotinic receptor-Cl channel complex in Aplysia neurons to elicit the ICl.

[Changes in lipid peroxides content and antioxidant enzyme activities on airway surface in SO2-induced bronchitic rats]

The changes in lipid peroxides (LP) content and antioxidant enzyme activities were investigated on airway surface during the aggravating process of bronchitis induced by SO2 exposure in rats. LP content in broncho-alveolar lavage fluid (BALF) has gradually increased from 3 weeks after starting of SO2 exposure. Whereas, the activities of antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase, increased at 1 week and then gradually reduced from 3 weeks. The ratio of LP to each antioxidant enzyme activity in BALF of the exposed rats was higher than that of normal rats. Morphological changes of the lung, a decrease of PaO2 and an increase of PaCO2 of blood depended on the increase of LP on airway surface. These findings indicate that LP may be involved in the development of bronchitis.

Effect of N-acetylneuraminic acid on respiratory tract secretion and inflammation in the bronchitic rabbit

Long-term exposure of rabbits to SO2 gas caused the following changes in the respiratory tract system: decreases in the respiratory rate and pO2 blood level; an increase in the viscosity of sputum associated with increases in protein, unsaturated phosphatidylethanolamine and sphingomyelin; subacute rhinitis, tracheitis and multiple bronchopneumonia. Pretreatment with repeated administrations (inhalations) of N-acetylneuraminic acid remarkably prevented these inflammatory changes. The significance of this finding is discussed.

Influence of corticosterone on tracheal mucociliary transport in pigeons

The effects of corticosteroids on tracheal mucociliary transport (MCT) were examined in pigeons. Intramuscular administration of corticosterone had no effect at 1.0 mg/kg, while at a larger dose of 5.0 mg/kg, it slightly, but significantly increased the MCT rate. Metyrapone significantly decreased the MCT rate, and the inhibitory action was blocked by 1.0 mg/kg corticosterone. The present study suggested that corticosteroids modulated the mucociliary clearance, especially under some diseases associated with a decreased level of endogenous corticosteroids.

Piperidine discriminates between the transient and the persistent components of the ACh-induced chloride current in Aplysia neurons

ACh-induced Cl- -current (ICl) is well known to desensitize with two components: an initial fast phase followed by a second, more slowly developing phase. In the present study, the influence of piperidine, a normal constituent in vertebrates and invertebrates, on ACh-induced ICl in isolated neurons of Aplysia was investigated by using the concentration clamp in combination with the voltage clamp technique. Pretreatment with piperidine in doses greater than 2 X 10(-4)M depressed the transient ACh-induced ICl but had little effect on the persistent ICl. Kinetic study of the desensitization phase of ACh-induced ICl showed that the slow time constant of the desensitization phase of ACh-induced ICl was not altered by pretreatment with piperidine. The present results indicate that piperidine can discriminate between the fast transient and slow persistent components of ACh-induced ICl in Aplysia neurons, and also suggest that two components of the desensitization phase of ACh-induced ICl function in an independent manner.

Pulmonary surfactant secretion in the type II pneumocytes in inflamed condition

Basal PC secretion in the type II pneumocytes from bronchitic rats was the same as that in the type II pneumocytes from normal rats. Neutrophils activated by opsonized zymosan or PMA, stimulated PC secretion in type II pneumocytes without causing any cell damage. The stimulation required close accession or attachment of neutrophils and type II pneumocytes and was not affected by the pretreatment with either SOD, catalase, AA861 or alpha 1-antitrypsin.

Increased production and/or secretion of pulmonary surfactant in rats by long term sulfur dioxide exposure

Influence of long term SO2 exposure on the pulmonary surfactant in rats was studied by means of chemical analysis and microscopic verification. At a time after termination of the exposure period, the general symptom in rats was similar to that of bronchitis. The content of disaturated phosphatidylcholine, a main functional component of the pulmonary surfactant, significantly increased not only in broncho-alveolar lavage fluid but also in pulmonary microsomal fraction by long term SO2 exposure. Microscopic verification of alveolar type II cells from the bronchitic rats demonstrated the development of rough surface endoplasmic reticulums and an increase of the number of osmiophillic bodies. The results suggest that pulmonary surfactant production and/or secretion are activated in rats with bronchitis caused by long term SO2 exposure.

Effects of anticholinergic bronchodilators on mucociliary transport and airway secretion

The effects of atropine, ipratropium and oxitropium on the mucociliary clearance were studied in pigeons and rabbits. The normal mucociliary transport (MCT) in pigeons was inhibited after the treatment by any of the three drugs at concentrations of 10(-4) to 10(-3) g/ml. These three drugs markedly inhibited eserine-induced MCT acceleration at a lower concentration than ACh-induced acceleration. The normal airway secretion was inhibited only by atropine in rabbits. The results indicate that neither oxitropium nor ipratropium depress the normal mucociliary clearance, but atropine may depress it under some conditions. Additionally, we suggest that these anticholinergic drugs might selectively affect the mucociliary transport modulated by endogenous ACh.

[Piperidine in the brain: its neurobiological significance]

Piperidine (Pip) is a normal constituent in mammalian brain, affects synaptic mechanism in the CNS, and influences neural mechanisms governing regulation of emotional behavior and extrapyramidal function. In addition, there are enzyme systems within the brain that synthesize and metabolize Pip, and uptake and storage mechanisms for Pip are found in the nerve endings. Pip is highly concentrated in the pituitary and pineal glands, hippocampus and caudate nucleus among the regions of the brain. Levels of Pip in the brain show physiological variations associated with environmental changes. The levels increase significantly under deep anesthesia. The study on the time relations of the change in brain levels of Pip and the anesthetic activity demonstrates that the level increases prior to the loss of the righting reflex and that the elevated level declines prior to the reappearance of the reflex. Furthermore, Pip levels in the lower brainstem reticular formation show sleep-related changes during REM sleep deprivation and REM sleep rebound that followed. Direct administration of Pip into the hippocampus and amygdala of cats with chronically implanted electrodes and a cannula caused resting and calmness in small doses, and seizure discharge accompanied by hyperemotionality in large doses. Administration into the pontine reticular formation induced REM and NREM sleep. Iontophoretic application produced the excitation and inhibition of single neuron activities in the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, caudate nucleus, cerebellum, and pituitary in anesthetized rats. With no anesthesia, Pip caused the inhibitory action in a higher percentage of the neurons studied, compared with the result obtained under anesthesia. Pip-induced excitation and inhibiton were blocked by tetramethylammonium but little affected by scopolamine. The kinetic study of Pip-induced Cl- current in internally perfused neurons of Aplysia, by using the 'concentration camp' and voltage clamp techniques, revealed that Pip acted on at least two components of nicotinic receptor-Cl- channel complex, and further that Pip could discriminate between the transient and the persistent components of ACh-induced Cl- current. These findings suggest that Pip may have close connections with neuroendocrine as well as neuronal functions, and further, with the mechanisms underlying sleep-consciousness and emotional function. Because of piperidine's multiplex pharmacological activities, the study of piperidine may provide a clue to the discovery of new active drugs and to the elucidation of causes of pathological states relating to the brain function.

Capillary tube isotachophoresis of proteins in early postmortem serum, cerebrospinal fluid and pericardial fluid

Serum, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and pericardial fluid (PDF) obtained from 22 early cadavers were subjected to capillary tube isotachophoresis. Separated proteins were grouped into three main fractions, namely, Fr. 1, Fr. 2 and Fr. 3, in order of their decreasing effective (net) mobilities. The percentages of main fractions to total content were calculated by UV absorbance integration. It was found that Fr. 1 decreased and Fr. 2 increased in all three kinds of specimens with an increase in time following death. In serum and also in CSF, the degree of these changes between 6 and 58 hours following death seemed large enough (about 30%) to be used for crude estimations of early postmortem intervals. Changes in PDF proceeded more gradually than in serum and or in CSF, with only 5-20% changes during this period.